{"id":628308,"date":"2024-05-20T09:25:16","date_gmt":"2024-05-20T13:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628308"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:57:03","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:57:03","slug":"entresto-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/entresto-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Entresto for dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Entresto<\/span><\/a> is used in people to treat congestive heart failure (<\/span>CHF<\/span><\/a>). Currently, veterinarians do not use Entresto in dogs, but it may be more commonly used by veterinarians in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two recent studies have shown that Entresto could be an effective treatment for canine heart failure. However, veterinarians already have several effective treatments for this type of heart disease. They have experience with these drugs and <\/span>guidelines<\/span><\/a> to help them make the right medication choices. Any veterinarian can prescribe Entresto, but the lack of veterinary guidelines and the high cost are important issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Entresto combines two drugs, <\/span>valsartan<\/span><\/a> and sacubitril. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (<\/span>ARB<\/span><\/a>). It widens blood vessels, lowering blood pressure to make it easier for the heart to pump blood. Sacubitril is a new and patented drug that belongs to a family of medications called neprilysin inhibitors. Sacubitril widens blood vessels and increases the body’s elimination of salt and water. This lowers blood volume and pressure, allowing the heart to pump blood more easily.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Save up to 80% on Entresto<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is Entresto used for in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Entresto is a heart failure treatment not currently used in dogs, though a veterinarian can prescribe it. Research has shown that Entresto is effective in dogs with heart failure due to mitral valve insufficiency, the most common cause of heart failure in dogs. Dosages have not been standardized. Side effects in dogs are unknown at this time. <\/span><\/p>\n

Congestive heart failure<\/span><\/h3>\n

Entresto is used in people to treat heart failure <\/span>as a preferred treatment<\/span><\/a> depending on the nature of the heart failure and other aspects of the overall situation. Research and experience have shown that the active ingredients in Entresto, sacubitril\/valsartan, significantly increase positive outcomes, including life expectancy, hospital visits, and overall cost, compared to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (<\/span>ACE<\/span><\/a>) or ARBs.<\/span><\/p>\n

At least two veterinary studies have shown that sacubitril\/valsartan is effective in dogs with heart failure due to a heart valve problem called myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). This is the most commonly diagnosed cardiovascular disease in dogs. When MMVD occurs, the mitral valve which separates the heart’s top left chamber (left atrium) from the bottom left chamber (left ventricle) becomes leaky. Normally, the mitral valve opens when the left atrium can pump blood into the left ventricle. It then slaps shut, and the left ventricle pumps blood to the rest of the body. In MMVD, the mitral valve is “floppy.” It doesn’t fully close. Some of the blood in the left ventricle flows back into the left atrium (mitral regurgitation). As a result, there is backflow and the pumping action of the heart is not as efficient. Over time, the heart starts getting bigger (ventricular enlargement) and changes shape to compensate. Called cardiac remodeling, this eventually leads to fluid buildup and death as it progresses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mitral valve disease is responsible for about <\/span>80%<\/span><\/a> of heart failure cases in dogs. Specifically, the drug has been shown to prevent or reverse cardiac remodeling in dogs with MMVI. Slowing or reversing cardiac remodeling is key in treating heart failure and keeping the patient alive. <\/span><\/p>\n

Veterinarians do not commonly use Entresto in dogs. Dosages have not been established, and <\/span>the price is very high<\/span><\/a>—about $9,000 annually. No one has studied the side effects in dogs, either. Additionally, angiotensin receptor blockers such as valsartan are not part of the treatment guidelines for either <\/span>canine heart failure<\/span><\/a> or canine <\/span>mitral valve disease<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Is Entresto safe for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Healthcare professionals do not know if Entresto is safe for dogs. In two clinical studies of Entresto in dogs, side effects were not reported. Veterinarians do not commonly use angiotensin receptor blockers like valsartan, so veterinary resources do not include these drugs or their safety information in their manuals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of Entresto in dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Veterinary professionals do not know what side effects Entresto, valsartan, or sacubitril cause in dogs. They can guess, but no study has shown the adverse effects of these drugs in dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n

In humans, <\/span>the most common side effects<\/span><\/a> reported by at least 1 in 20 people in clinical trials are:<\/span><\/p>\n